Chapter 22
Going home

Fu Da said to Chen Qian, “The funeral home’s car has arrived.”

Xie Qing stepped onto the kang bed, intending to help lift the body.

Fu Da pulled her back, “With so many men here, there’s no need for you. We’ll handle it.”

He was strong, and Xie Qing couldn’t argue, so she quickly left the west bedroom and entered the east bedroom.

This room was messier than the west bedroom, but the furniture was also new, with no signs of theft. On a low cabinet for cosmetics, there was a framed mirror with a family photo tucked into the frame.

The family photo showed nine people smiling brightly. Besides the four victims, there was a middle-aged couple and three children. The older girl, about twenty, stood with the middle-aged couple; a fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy stood with another couple; the elderly couple sat in the middle, with the youngest boy, about ten, on the grandmother’s lap.

In front of the mirror was a large photo album.

Xie Qing took down the family photo, placed it in an evidence bag, and opened the photo album. The first page mainly featured photos of the three children, with individual photos of the elderly couple and the two middle-aged couples—all taken in a photo studio, giving a formal feel.

The elderly couple smiled kindly, clearly good-natured people. The two middle-aged men looked about 50% alike, obviously brothers. The two sisters-in-law were different: the victim was slightly plump with smiling eyes, looking cheerful; the other had a bitter expression, wore bright clothes, and had a silver bracelet on her wrist.

A happy family was suddenly torn apart, leaving the girl an orphan.

Feeling sad, Xie Qing placed the photo album in another evidence bag and searched the wardrobe.

The elderly couple was frugal, with only two or three seasonal clothes hanging up. There were plenty of new, colorful, soft bedding sets. Other cabinets were filled with old, worn items they couldn’t bear to throw away.

The kang bed had two sets of bedding, as if the elderly couple had just gotten up, but they would never return.

The trace evidence team was brushing a small leather bag, which was flat and didn’t seem to contain money.

Xie Qing handed the two items to the trace evidence team for safekeeping and left the east bedroom, planning to check the kitchen to verify what the victims had eaten. Before leaving, she glanced at the shoe rack, which held two pairs of leather and two pairs of cloth shoes. She had noticed that all four victims wore slippers indoors. Besides the dark brown bloodstains from the knife, the white ceramic tiles were mostly clean.

She thought: Someone in this family must have had a severe cleanliness obsession. Otherwise, people in this era weren’t so particular. In such houses, people usually wore shoes in and out.

But… did the killer change shoes upon entering? Or did the killer come in barefoot?

With these thoughts, Xie Qing headed to the kitchen.

The kitchen had a new dish cabinet, refrigerator, and a foldable round table.

In the refrigerator were leftover stir-fried green peppers and eggs, and soy sauce-pickled cucumbers.

The trash can had fish bones and discarded bok choy leaves.

Clean dishes were inverted on the table and covered with a gauze cloth.

“Ahem!” Someone cleared their throat.

Xie Qing turned to see Tan Yi standing in the doorway, “Is everything loaded?”

Tan Yi nodded, “We can go.”

“Thank you.” Xie Qing glanced at the sink, where dark red bloodstains indicated the killer had washed the knife and hands there, then left, disappearing into the night.

The killer must be meticulous, bold, and careful, likely middle-aged, and possibly experienced in slaughtering animals. If this case involved theft, the killer would have a strong desire for money.

Xie Qing mentally sketched a profile of the killer, expressionless as she walked past Tan Yi.

It was already past 9 PM, and the crowd outside had only grown, buzzing with discussions.

“Who did Lei Yan offend?”

“He’s just a deputy manager. Who could he offend? I think it was a robbery.”

“Could be.”

“Yeah, I heard Lei Yan’s wife was getting compensation for their house in the Development Zone. Lots of money. Didn’t you see they bought a new fridge and furniture?”

“Too flashy. Even if you have money, you shouldn’t spend it like that.”

“That’s easy to say. When you finally have some money, who wouldn’t want to improve their life? Besides, Lei Yan’s wife is a clean freak. It’s no wonder they replaced everything.”

…

As Xie Qing stepped out, the chatter quieted, and people made way for her. She got into the funeral home’s car, and as the door closed, the night wind carried a few whispered comments to her ears.

“Wow, that girl is a forensic doctor?”

“I heard anyone in a white coat is.”

“Oh my, oh my.”

…

At the funeral home, in the autopsy room.

Four bodies required four autopsy tables, but with limited resources, they worked two at a time.

The case belonged to the Feng’an Sub-bureau. Though not necessarily complex, the city bureau was involved because four people had died.

Chen Qian, nearing retirement and lacking ambition, handed the work to Forensic Doctor Zhao and Han Feng. He had Xie Qing fill out the autopsy forms while he took photos for evidence.

Han Feng, eager to show off and skilled, quickly opened the elderly male victim’s chest cavity. He pointed to the ribs, “Xiao Xie, look, this stab broke the ribs. The killer is strong.”

Forensic Doctor Zhao added, “The elderly female victim also died from heart damage, with broken ribs.” He tapped the ribs with his knife, “No severe osteoporosis. The killer is indeed strong. This stab went through the bone to the heart. The knife had no guard, so I suspect the killer’s hand was injured.”

Chen Qian said, “Usually, there would be an injury, but not always.”

Xie Qing recorded the autopsy details.

With the cause of death clear, there was no need for an extensive autopsy. Confirming the time of death would suffice.

Han Feng opened the elderly male victim’s stomach and duodenum, both empty, but the small intestine was full.

Lei Yan and his wife were different from the elderly couple. They had not only drunk alcohol but also eaten a lot of barbecue, with strong alcohol fumes and meat remnants in their stomachs.

Based on the digestion process, Chen Qian’s estimate of the time of death was accurate—around 1 AM.

Han Feng put down the scalpel, “The trace evidence team found no signs of forced entry or scuff marks on the walls. Could it be a neighbor? Sharing a wall, they could easily climb over with a ladder, then open the door and create the illusion of escaping with shoes on.”

Chen Qian shook his head, “Unlikely. If a neighbor suddenly climbed over, Old Lei would have been startled, causing a commotion.”

Han Feng argued, “It’s getting cooler at night. Everyone closes their windows and sleeps deeply. Not hearing anything is normal.”

Chen Qian smiled without commenting.

Xie Qing thought Han Feng’s idea was plausible, but if there was such animosity between neighbors, the onlookers and Lei Sheng would have reported it, and the case wouldn’t have reached the city bureau.

“If it were the neighbor, they would have fled by now. Enough talk, let’s sew them up,” Forensic Doctor Zhao said, finishing his work.

Xie Qing put down the autopsy form and quickly picked up the needle and thread, “You rest, I’ll sew.”

Han Feng said, “No need, I’m fast. I’ll finish quickly.”

Forensic Doctor Zhao glanced at him, “Why are you showing off? Let Xiao Xie get some practice.”

Han Feng suddenly realized, “Right, right, why didn’t I think of that?”

Forensic Doctor Zhao said, “If you could think of that, you wouldn’t still be single.”

“Hey…” Han Feng felt a bit awkward, “Brother Zhao, don’t tease me.”

Chen Qian chuckled again.

Xie Qing began suturing, her movements skilled and swift. Working alongside Han Feng, she finished five minutes earlier.

Forensic Doctor Zhao was surprised, “No wonder Xiao Xie joined the city bureau. Impressive.”

Just as Xie Qing was about to speak, her mobile phone rang. She quickly removed her gloves, smiled politely at Forensic Doctor Zhao, and answered the call.

It was Tan Yi.

“Xiao Xie, are you done?”

“Yes, I’ll let Forensic Doctor Chen speak with you.”

Xie Qing handed the phone to Chen Qian, who briefly explained the autopsy results before hanging up.

Chen Qian said, “Let’s tidy up and freeze the bodies. We’re heading to the Feng’an Sub-bureau for a meeting.”

On the way to the Feng’an Sub-bureau, Han Feng’s enthusiasm vanished. After all, an intern forensic doctor couldn’t afford a mobile phone, and the phone bill was a significant expense. Xie Qing’s spending level was enough to deter any civil servant.

Xie Qing felt a bit relieved that a phone call could ward off unwanted attention, but she also felt a tinge of unease.

At the Feng’an Sub-bureau, on the second floor.

When Xie Qing and the others arrived, everyone was already seated. Tan Yi was recording the current case details on a large blackboard.

Xie Qing quickly reviewed the case details:

• No known enemies of the Lei family.
• Neighbors said the middle-aged couple was filial and rarely argued, with good relations. Their daughter, Lei Miao, attended a prestigious university and returned home once every six months.
• The recycling company staff said Lei Yan was sociable and never offended anyone.
• Lei Sheng, who reported the case, said his great-uncle’s family was kind and couldn’t have enemies.
• The time of death was around 1 AM, and the killer was strong.
• Neighbors were asleep during the incident and heard no knocking or cries for help.
• No suspicious individuals were reported near the Lei home.
• No signs of forced entry on the main gate or house door.
• Blood footprints belonged to one person, with an estimated height of around 1.78 meters.
• The murder weapon was found.
• The demolition compensation was 100,000 yuan, but no large sums of cash were found in the Lei home. There were bankbooks with only a few thousand yuan, suggesting the killer might have stolen money. This needed confirmation from Lei Miao and Lei Guang, Lei Yan’s younger brother.
• Seven or eight fingerprint samples were collected, including those of the four victims, Lei Sheng, and two neighbors.

Tan Yi’s handwriting was neat and angular, indicating a determined and steady personality. After finishing the last stroke, he casually tossed the chalk, which landed neatly in the wooden box.

He said, “This is what we have so far. Captain Li is more familiar with Xingfu Li, so let’s hear from him first.”

Captain Li, the head of the Feng’an Sub-bureau’s criminal investigation team, was about fifty, short and stout, with a bit of a belly. He confidently said, “In cases like this, it’s either for money or revenge. Since there are no known enemies, it’s likely for money. I think Lei Sheng’s family should be thoroughly investigated. He’s similar in height to the suspect, has a key to Lei Yan’s house, and is familiar with Old Lei. Even if Old Lei caught him sneaking in, he might not have raised an alarm.”

The Feng’an Sub-bureau detectives nodded in agreement.

Captain Li finished by presenting a suspect.

Tan Yi turned to Fu Da, “Brother Fu, your thoughts?”

Fu Da said, “I agree with Captain Li. Additionally, I think we should investigate those who drank with Lei Yan and his wife. They could have gotten them drunk and then targeted the elderly couple separately. The killer could have done it.”

Tan Yi nodded and looked at Chen Qian and the forensic doctors, “Any thoughts from the forensic team?”

Chen Qian shook his head, indicating he had no additional thoughts. Han Feng suggested the possibility of a neighbor committing the crime out of greed. Forensic Doctor Zhao added that the killer’s hand might be injured.

Xie Qing remained silent, not because she had no opinion, but because she felt her thoughts weren’t fully formed.

Aware of Xie Qing’s track record, Tan Yi called on her, “Xiao Xie, your thoughts?”

Being called out by the new leader, Xie Qing knew she couldn’t refuse, as it might seem uncooperative. She said, “Lei Yan’s wife, Kong Chunxiang, had a cleanliness obsession. They wore slippers indoors, so the tiles were very clean, with no shoe prints. This indicates the killer was familiar with their habits. The cabinets weren’t ransacked, suggesting the killer knew where the money was. I think we should investigate Lei Guang.”

A young detective from the sub-bureau said, “Captain Tan, we’ve contacted Lei Guang. He lives in Fengshan District and recently broke his leg. He said he’d come to Lei Yan’s house, even if he had to crawl.”

This indirectly dismissed Xie Qing’s idea.

Xie Qing didn’t mind and nodded to Tan Yi, indicating she had nothing more to add.

Tan Yi asked, “Any other opinions?”

“No,” the young detective answered for everyone.

Tan Yi said, “Lei Sheng, the Lei family’s neighbors, Lei Guang, and those who drank with Lei Yan are our primary investigation targets. Captain Li, your team will investigate Lei Sheng, the neighbors, and those who drank with Lei Yan. Team Leader Fu will handle Lei Guang.”

“Additionally, we must check the Lei family’s phone records and Lei Yan’s pager messages. We won’t overlook anyone who might know about the demolition compensation.”

The city bureau was closer to Fengshan District, making it more convenient to investigate Lei Guang.

Captain Li agreed without hesitation.

The meeting ended, and everyone went their separate ways.

Most city bureau staff lived in Fengshan District, except for Xie Qing and Tan Yi, who lived in the development zone.

Fu Da said, “Xiao Xie, ride with the captain. You both live in the Development Zone.”

Xie Qing couldn’t refuse and got into the front passenger seat.

Liu Feng and Du Zhun also rode with Tan Yi, as they lived in the same neighborhood, making it convenient.

As soon as the car started, Du Zhun began chatting, “Xiao Xie, why do you think the killer is Lei Guang?”

Xie Qing replied, “Based on what I said in the meeting and a bit of intuition.”

Du Zhun scoffed, “You girls and your intuition.” He nudged Liu Feng, who was resting his eyes, “If the killer is Lei Guang, that’s ruthless—killing his own parents and brother!”

Liu Feng said, “Who knows?” He grabbed Du Zhun’s leg, signaling him to stop talking.

Du Zhun glanced at Tan Yi and finally fell silent, soon snoring against the window.

Not wanting to talk, Xie Qing also closed her eyes to rest.

Twenty minutes later, Du Zhun and Liu Feng got out, leaving only Xie Qing and Tan Yi in the car.

Xie Qing thought for a moment and finally spoke, “Captain Tan, why do you insist on investigating Lei Guang?”

Tan Yi asked, “Why do you?”

Xie Qing initially wanted to say she asked first, but he was the leader, and arguing would create unnecessary familiarity. She didn’t want that. She said, “My reasons aren’t sufficient and are mostly subjective assumptions.”

Tan Yi said, “Because of those photos? I saw you looking at them.”

Xie Qing nodded, “My reasoning is simple. Lei Yan only has one daughter, while Lei Guang has two sons. His wife likes to dress up, but her clothes and jewelry are not high-end, indicating they might be short on money.”

Tan Yi said, “I agree with your opinion. The reasoning is indeed insufficient and largely subjective.”

Xie Qing: “…”

After a moment, Tan Yi added, “However, I share your view. Lei Guang is indeed highly suspicious.”

Xie Qing: “…”